Redder and bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. When grocery shopping, it pays to buy some things organic. Look for these

Have you noticed the apples at your supermarket looking redder? Do out-of-season plums beckon you? There are some foods that are more likely to be pumped artificially than others. Here is a list of things you need to watch out for when you go provision shopping. Better still, just switch to the organic variety to save yourself a host of health problems.

Milk

While we've all grown up learning about the natural goodness of milk, we must also keep in mind that all the antibiotics and hormones that go into high-yield cows aren't. Research on supplements such as recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) used in conventional milk production have suggested links to early puberty and other hormonal abnormalities. On the other hand, organic milk has higher levels of Vitamin E, Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids and antioxidants which help beat infections.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein but one must know many varieties of eggs are produced by using a range of antibiotics and hormones on poultry. Organic eggs mean fewer hormones in the chicken or chemicals acting as hormones in your body.

Potatoes

Chlorothalonil, often used on potatoes, can affect children in particular. Potato pesticides have been linked to high rates of asthma. So if you have problems with your respiratory system, then stick to naturally grown potatoes only.

Spinach

It's imperative to include green leafy vegetables such as fenugreek leaves and spinach in our diet. But a recently conducted research shows that one sample of spinach has residues of more than 20 different pesticides on it. So it's not just E. coli scares that have given conventionally grown spinach a bad name.

Like grapes, residues of methyl parathion shows up in pears as well as does azinphos-methyl, an acutely toxic chemical used on many fruit crops.

Strawberries

This fungicide also contributes to the toxicity of strawberries. Two other fungicides — captan and iprodione — are likely human carcinogens by the EPA. Another common fungicide — vinclozolin — found in strawberries slows down the normal functioning of androgen. Among other commonly found contaminants on strawberries is endosulfan, a relative of DDT that imitates the hormone estrogen, which ends up interfering with your normal hormone levels.

Capsicum

Green peppers are rich in Vitamin C, while red bell peppers are a good source of Vitamin A and carotenoids. However, when it comes to crops, bell peppers are the most contaminated vegetables in terms of neurotoxic insecticides. Not only do these harmful chemicals kill the nutrients in the vegetable, but also have an effect on brain pathways that are involved in Parkinson's disease.

Apples

Of all the fruits, apples are considered to have the highest quantity of pesticides in them. Apples are frequently sprayed with syngenta paraquat, a pesticide that is possible linked to Parkinson again. It is essential that you choose one of the many organic options popping up at your local market instead.

Peaches

In certain studies, peaches have had up to 10 times as much pesticide on them as other fruits and vegetables. These chemicals include the cancer-linked fungicides captan and iprodione, and the neurotoxic pesticide methyl parathion.

While it's good to be aware of pesticides in all foods, because they linger in the soil for years after organic production has begun it's always best to peel fruits and veggies, both organic and conventional, to reduce pesticide intake.

Not only can your diet make you unhealthy but also unhappy, so try these foods today!

It's true - we all share a feel-good chemistry with food. If you smile while tucking into your favourite fare, it can also tackle your bulging waistline. A new weight-loss plan undertakes to get rid of the flab as it enhances the mood. Say hello to the Happiness Diet, that's influenced by how you feel...

A big no-no

Most people are aware that a diet high in fat, sugar and processed food is bad for the waistline. But it can also make us depressed, says a new book. Also, if you have just focused on getting thin by having a low-fat, low-calorie diet, you have failed, it adds. The explanation is that a weight-loss plan that cuts fat is a recipe for failure, without natural mood-boosters vitamin B12, magnesium and conjugated linoleic acid. If the food does not have the above, we are less likely to feel happy and in turn, successful.

What works

According to the theory, a diet that is rich in good fats, such as olive oil, as well as whole grains, vegetables and quality meat can benefit, by feeling more satisfied, one will lose weight effortlessly. Researchers say that the modern American diet (MAD) has an unhealthy focus on sugars, refined carbs and industrial vegetable fats, and leads people to feeling fat and depressed.

2. Calcium: This dairy pick is a primary mood decider. The right calcium levels are said to give the 'go' command, preparing the body to release feel-good neurotransmitters. And disturbances in calcium levels cause anxiety, depression, irritability and impaired memory. A deficiency of calcium can create a hormonal imbalance that adds to weight gain and makes women suffer PMS symptoms.

Sources: Milk, yogurt, cheese, cabbage, spinach and almonds.

3. Magnesium: A mineral that is known to comfort and ease the mind and nerves, magnesium is a must-have. It has been known to treat clinical depression. A deficiency of this can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue.

4. Vitamin D: Get enough sun! Sunshine converts cholesterol in our skin into vitamin D and not only does it feel good on the skin, it also raises immunity. A lesser level of vitamin D is also linked to several forms of cancer and as well as including depression and dementia. Researchers have pointed out that one reason we get sick in the winter months is because of the lesser exposure to the sun during that time.

Sources: Sunlight and fish.

5. Fiber: Foods are huge mood boosters. They add to weight loss and lead to fewer mood swings in a person. In addition to this, fiber reduces overall inflammation and helps avoid spikes in blood sugar and insulin, and they also cleanse the intestinal tract. Studies have shown that diets that are low in fiber are linked to depression and increased risk of suicide.

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Warm welcome to my health blog! This was introduced with an objective to educate and spread awareness among people, encouraging them to live healthier lives with longevity. Let me emphasize that our contemporary situation in individual’s life are so fast moving that we tend to neglect and spare some moments for our own health.
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